New from FL.

New member from Florida. I turn 21 next week and I'm looking for a handgun. I just wanted to get a few opinions from some people that knew what they were talking about and had some insight. I'm looking to spend around 400-450 after taxes, and I want a 9mm or a 45 but I'm leaning towards the 9. I really like the walther P99's but they are more expensive than I want for a first gun. I've been looking at some Taurus and a S&W XD. I'm going to go to the shooting range and try a couple of my co-workers guns next week to see what I like, one of them being an XD.

I've shot rifles and shotguns and a few small pistols but I'm still a newb to handguns in general. What do you guys think? Ohh and hi! This forums looks great.

Good for you. I just started shooting in the last several months. I fell in love with a Bushmaster 9mm carbine. It's not for carrying but sure is great at the range. Consider what you want to do with your handgun, concealed weapon? Range only? Or both? 9mm is very inexpensive, but I hear the price will go up after the first of the year. Other rounds can run upwards depending on your taste. There are a lot of 9mm handguns out there, so like it has been said, shoot as many as you can before making your selection. Good luck and happy shooting!

Yea I plan on getting a 9mm but I really really like this Walther 22 because it has a full carbon fiber body and it looks bad ass. My main hoby is cars and carbon fiber is all over my cars so I'd love to have that gun but it's a 22.

Welcome from Pinellas County. Always glad to see another Floridian come aboard.
I don't know what area you're in, but I'm sure that there's a range nearby that you can rent a few guns to see what you like, and what fits your hand.
If you haven't done so already, see if the N.R.A. Safety course is given at the range. That will introduce you to the basic configurations and maybe help to make your choice easier.
There's a lot of great info here. Listen to it all, then figure out what fits your situation and go from there.
Good luck. Jump in. Enjoy.

Welcome from Pinellas County. Always glad to see another Floridian come aboard.
I don't know what area you're in, but I'm sure that there's a range nearby that you can rent a few guns to see what you like, and what fits your hand.
If you haven't done so already, see if the N.R.A. Safety course is given at the range. That will introduce you to the basic configurations and maybe help to make your choice easier.
There's a lot of great info here. Listen to it all, then figure out what fits your situation and go from there.
Good luck. Jump in. Enjoy.

Hey I actually live in Hills and work in pinellis. I went to knight shooting sports and rented a sig, shot my buddy's XD, shot a glock, and another gun I forget what kind. I already took my conceal and carry class just need to mail it off. I shot a taurus 24/7 and the gun I shot was junk. Everytime I would rack the slide it would get jammed on the round in the chamber and I had to push it forward a little. For training I shot an XD again and I think I may have to go with that gun, or a 1911 (probably by taurus). Thanks for the information guys.

Welcome from Central Florida. Got the itch, eh? My guess is that whichever gun/caliber you choose, it won't be your last. Think about your needs. Do you want to shoot paper targets cheaply? Do you want a piece for personal defense? For both? Every gun is a compromise. That's why a lot of gun owners have several, or even way more than several. The Walther 22 you like will provide you with cheap (ammo wise) fun for now and give you time to research and scratch your next itch, or itches as the case may be. Good luck to you and happy shooting.